Complaints force removal of T-shirts

A NUMBER of controversial T-shirts in a Burnie store-front were removed after public complaints yesterday.

On display in the shop window of Backflip Clothing Co. hung shirts which featured the profanities F--- and C---.

The T-shirts were taken out of the store-front after police visited the store.

"We went round and spoke to the store manager and the shirts were a bit provocative without a doubt, and whilst we were there a lady came by with a pram and said it wasn't appropriate," Inspector Shane LeFevre said.

"As far as legislation goes the Police Offences Act prevents certain behaviour, but in this respect no one was yelling swear words."

Burnie Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Peter Holm said the use of the shirts in the store front was unnecessary and should be reconsidered by the store in the future.

"From a personal perspective, I think [the situation] would be most unfortunate, and also that it's not in the best of good taste and at worst tends to be the sort of thing which really should be put at the back of the store for those people who particularly inquire about that sort of merchandise," Dr Holm said.

"Bearing in mind that the store window is very visible to members of the public, we need to remember that our children walk past there and one would like to think that it is not the kind of thing we want out children to walk past."

Burnie Mayor Steve Kons also weighed in on the issue.

"While some may find the content offensive, the council doesn't have any jurisdiction to instruct the material be removed.

"If people don't like it they can cross the street," Alderman Kons said.

The store owner was contacted for comment and claimed she was unaware of the display until she was notified.